Plank or board joint



Aug., 6, l946 F. J. TIRREL PLANK 0R BOARD JOINT Filed July 22, 1944 /fo/7 f "lo 214;@ HrramvEY Patented Aug. 6, 1946 v UNITED STATES PATENTOFFICE PLANK OR BOARD JINT Frank J. Tirrcl, George, Iowa. ApplicationJuly 22, 1944, Serial No. 546,164

1 Claim. 1

My invention relates to a joint device for boards or planks.

An object of my invention is to provide a joint which is adapted toretain and securely hold the end joints between adjacently placed boardsor planks.

A further object of my invention is to provide a joint of this naturewhich will accommodate a variety of plank sizes.

A further object of myy invention is to provide a device of thischaracter wherein more than two joints can be accommodated if desired,and to provide the device in a very simple construction, and which canbe manufactured at a reasonable cost.

With these and other objects in view, my invention consists in theconstruction, arrangement, and combination of the various parts of mydevice, whereby the objects contemplated are attained, as hereinaftermore fully set forth, pointed out in my claim, and illustrated in theaccompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the joint,

Fig. 2 is a section of Fig. l, taken along the lines 2--2 thereof,

Fig. 3 is a section corresponding to Fig. 2 showing the planks or boardsin place in the joint,

Fig. 4 is a plan view of Fig. 3,

Fig. 5 is side elevation showing the planks and joints in theirassembled position being supported by saw-horses, and

Fig. 6 is a side elevation showing the use of more than one joint.

My invention contemplates the provision o f a simple, strong, anddurable joint in which the ends of adjoining planks can be placed, andwherein the planks will then be firmly held and supported against anydownward pressure. Such a joint is especially desirable when it isnecessary to use a pair of boards or planks to provide a greater length,or in some cases where a few shorter pieces of board can be moreconveniently carried up a stairway, and then assembled with the joints,rather than carrying up an extremely long plank around the stairwaybends, etc., which in some cases is relatively impossible. My inventionalso contemplates the use of such a joint for those instances where onlyshorter planking is available, as well as other reasons.

I have used the character I0 to designate the two side pieces of thejoint, preferably made of steel, although other suitable materials canbe employed for the necessary strength. Attached across and to themembers Ill, and at the extremities thereof, are the upper iiat strapsII which are attached by means of welding or by any other suitablemethod. Attached beneath the members Il) are a pair of further straps I2 between which is provided a space I3, and hammered into the straps I2are a series of projecting points Ill. The straps I2Aare equally spacedapart from the center of the arrangement.

The sides or depths I5 of the members I0 are made slightly larger thanthe maximum thickness of the boards or planks to be used, and willthereby accommodate' planks of lesser thickness. The members Il) are offairly'substantial length,

and the straps II include the small centrally arranged openings I6therein.

The arrangement is used in the following manner. The planks indicated bythe character I'l are placed beneath the straps I I with their abuttingends I8 being placed over each one of the lower straps I2', with thepoints of abutment at I8 being centrally positioned. The arrangement isthen ready for use, and it will be noted that any pressure downwardly inthe direction of the arrow I9 (see Fig, 3) will be supported due to thearrangement of the straps I I and I2 and due to the levering actiontherebetween.

The small projections I4 will serve to bite into the boardsg, therebyadditionally securing the same, although I have found through actual usethat the planks are otherwise iirmly retained. The width between themembers Il] will permit of a variety of plank widths also. If desired,

nails 2|] can be driven through the openings IS,

into the planks for additional retention, though this is not usuallynecessary.

Fig. 5 shows a joint supporting a, pair of planks which are supportedVby the horses 2|, and Fig. 6 illustrates the use of two joints,accommodating three planks.

It will now be seen that I have provided all of the objects of myinvention, that my invention possesses the advantages hereinabovestated, with further advantages being readily apparent.

Some changes may be made inthe construction and arrangement of the partsof my invention Without departing from Ithe real spirit and purpose ofmy invention, and it is my intention to cover by my claim any modifiedforms of structure or use of mechanical equivalents which may bereasonably included within its scope.

I claim as my invention:

A plank joint comprising a pair of spaced side members adapted toreceive plank ends therebetween, straps attached to, and beneath saidside members for engagement with the ends of the 3 planks, furtherstraps attached to and above said side members, and at the extremitiesthereof for receiving planks thereunder whereby downward pressure on theplank ends will prevent relative movement of the plank ends and willsecure the same, said lower straps being spaced apart, and beingattached centrally of said joint, said lower straps includingprojections for engaging into the plank surfaces, said upper strapshaving openings for the reception of securing nails, said side membersbeing of a depth to receive various plank thicknesses, and being spacedsufliciently to receive various plank widths.

FRANK J. TIRREL.

